This comprehensive guide will assist you in getting the most out of your experience as a first-time visitor to Antigua Guatemala if you’re thinking about going after viewing beautiful pictures of the city sandwiched between two volcanoes.
This guide will give you all you need to know to travel successfully, safely, and without blowing all of your savings, whether this is your first time traveling overseas or you’re looking for new, undiscovered areas for your vacations.
So here is my comprehensive travel guide if you’re ready to organize your first vacation to Antigua, Guatemala.
Is a Trip to Antigua Guatemala Valuable?
Small-town Antigua in Guatemala has long been regarded as one of Central America’s most fascinating and underappreciated travel destinations. Antigua’s lovely colonial architecture, majestic volcanoes, and rich history and culture are just a few of the elements that set the island nation apart.
Tip: Drink lots of water and pack something to drink every day, like liquid IV, because depending on where you’re from, you can have trouble with the altitude.
Antigua is a fantastic travel location for a variety of reasons. In addition to being exceedingly gorgeous, it is also reasonably priced, simple to navigate (even if you don’t speak the language), and full of intriguing jewels to find.
LANGUAGE:
Although a few people in Guatemala speak English, the majority of the population speaks Spanish. If you don’t speak the language, don’t be concerned; most residents are kind and understanding of visitors, and you may use apps like Google Translate to facilitate communication. But if you don’t speak Spanish and are traveling to Antigua Guatemala, it’s nice to learn just a few fundamental words and pleasantries.
There are 21 Mayan Communities, and many of them don’t even comprehend Spanish. They all speak their own Mayan language.
Currency:
The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the country’s official currency.
7.8 Quetzals to 1 USD
Fun fact: Their national bird, the Quetzal, inspired the name of their currency!
Although it’s customary to pay with US dollars in Guatemala and certain establishments, such restaurants and shops, even accept credit cards, I strongly advise against it because you’ll be charged extra costs and might be ready to enter a tourist trap.
Therefore, be sure to withdraw enough money to cover both food and entertainment.
Antigua has a lot of ATMs where you may receive cash, notably in the downtown area and main square. They typically charge a premium for using foreign credit and debit cards, but it’s 10,000 times better than what you’d get if you paid with a card or changed your money into QLZ at the airport.
However, if you really must convert money, you can do so at any of the city’s easily accessible banks. Just be sure to have your passport on you.
Advice: Street food is the best cuisine you can eat, and it will cost you somewhere between 5 and 20 QLZ (paid in cash) and be WELL WORTH IT!
The cost of living in Guatemala is among the lowest in Central America, making it the ideal destination for travelers on a tight budget, unless they choose to splash out on a few extras. Depending on the type of trip you want to take, you can anticipate to spend anywhere from $20 to $70 each day.
How to Travel to Guatemala’s Antigua?
Taking a tourist shuttle from Guatemala City’s airport to your hotel in Antigua is the most affordable method to travel to Guatemala’s Antigua. These shuttles are secure and can even transport you to the majority of local tourist attractions during the day.
Optimal Period to Visit Antigua, Guatemala:
Between November and April, Guatemala’s dry season and coolest time of year, is the most well-liked period for travel to Antigua. But bear in mind that the city and hotels will be busy, making it possibly harder to find lodging and trips.
I went in May and had a fun with beautiful weather, however you can get lesser prices and the city won’t be as congested during the rainy season, which runs from May to November.
Recommendation: I’ve discovered that the’sweet spot’ is in May and June, immediately following the peak season, when you can still take advantage of the nice weather and lower pricing.
How Long Will I Be In Antigua?
You could easily spend a full week in Antigua Guatemala because there is so much to see and do there. If you want to see everything and make the most of your trip, I advise staying at least two to three days.
Advice: Be sure to explore Antigua alone or hire a tour guide (well worth it & reasonably priced), as you can otherwise end up in tourist traps.
Accommodations In Antigua:
I personally enjoyed my stay at Casi Casa Hostel. Beautiful property with fantastic views of the volcano and a terrific location close to the city core. Also fantastic were the coffee bar, sauna, and pool. This unique hostel has direct access to everything you could possibly want, including a rooftop with direct views of Volcano Agua, and is positioned in between the bustling center of Antigua and the highlands.
If you want to experience the charm of Antigua, ask the front desk to take you upstairs to a restaurant/hotel that offers an even nicer rooftop lounge.
Antigua has some of the best hostels in the world, and you don’t have to spend a fortune on lodging to have a comfortable room with all the amenities.
Restaurants in Antigua:
The variety of foods and dining options available in Antigua, Guatemala, is one of its greatest features. There is something here for every taste and budget, from fast food and little cafés to upscale restaurants and pubs.
Some of my favorite spots are listed below:
El Cartel Cafe and Fat Cat Coffee House serve breakfast and brunch.
Lunch at Hector’s Bistro and Once Once
Dinner and beverages at La Casa Del Ron and Antigua Brewing Company
Advice: The Parque de la Merced has the BEST food in Antigua, with FRESH food available daily from 4.30 PM to 10.30 PM – for as little as 5Q (about 60 cents).
Activities in Antigua:
Now let’s get to the fun part. What activities are available in Guatemala’s Antigua? Whether you like to explore sites on your own or travel with a tour guide who shows you everything, there is something for everyone here!
Explore the Cobblestone Streets of Antigua:
Antigua need to be on the list of locations you may think of for taking lovely pictures. Every street has something intriguing to see, including grand historical churches built in the 1500s, ruins, and adorable, vibrant cafes and boutiques. The finest thing you can do on your first day in Antigua, in my opinion, is to take your camera and wander the city, taking in every inch of it.
Check out this free walking tour in Antigua if you want to have a local guide lead you around so you don’t miss anything!
Although the tour is free, the guide wants a tip of between 100 and 150 PQLZ, so make sure you have cash with you.
The Central Park, or Parque Central:
In the center of the city is a little settlement called Parque Central. It’s a lovely location to meet residents and visitors, purchase some handcrafted Mayan trinkets, and take in up-close views of nearby structures like the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, a Cathedral, and the Museo del Libro Antiguo.
The National Museum is right across the street and is interesting to see as well as having a lot of sellers and some street food.
National Museum’s Royal Palace of the Captains General:
The large, long building across the park, the national museum, is open to the public and offers stunning views over the park. They are open till late and have a sizable collection that includes everything from contemporary art to prehistoric Guatemalan Mayan artifacts.
Best feature? Totally free!
The Santa Clara Convent:
The Santa Clara convent was established in the early 1700s, and today, visitors to Antigua Guatemala’s most visited attraction are drawn to its earthquake-damaged remnants. A very serene and ethereal setting, the courtyard includes a well-kept garden, a fountain, the remnants of a convent, a church, and underground tombs. It is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon exploring.
The entrance cost is 40 quetzals, and you are welcome to bring food inside to enjoy a picnic while taking in the breathtaking views.
Antigua Museums:
When visiting Antigua Guatemala, museums are a MUST because the city has such a rich history and culture.
Museum of Casa Santo Domingo
The Casa Santo Domingo Museums, which are housed inside the Casa Santo Domingo hotel complex and were formerly a Dominican monastery in the 1500s before the earthquakes, are a good place to learn about Mayan civilization. You can enter the galleries for free or pay Q40 to enter the several museums, which feature a wide variety of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art, including archeological artifacts.
This is essential!
House of Jase
Only a street away from Casa Santo Domingo lies Casa del Jade, often known as the Jade Maya Museum. Here, you can discover a great deal about the significance of jade throughout Mayan history. They used this stone as a priceless asset to create various jewelry and adornments. There are lots of lovely exhibits, and you can see people carve stones by hand. Additionally, there is a store where you may buy genuine, premium Jade items to take home or even manufacture your own!
ChocoMuseo
Not to mention, you must visit the ChocoMuseo. You can create your own chocolate bars and chocolate tea at the museum’s workshop, which is a very enjoyable experience. While you sample delectable chocolate at various stages of the cooking process, knowledgeable and welcoming teachers walk you through the entire procedure.
This would be the ideal pastime for dreary days if you were considering visiting Antigua, Guatemala, during the rainy season!
Investigate Your Local Market:
The local market in Antigua is a great place to get to know Guatemalan culture better and learn about different foods and goods that you’ve probably never seen before.
Everything you can think of, including clothing, handcrafted Mayan crafts, fresh produce, artisanal food, and much more, can be found there. In my opinion, the market provides the best food in the neighborhood, particularly the grilled corn and Pepito!
Pacaya Volcano climb
In Antigua, you may climb a volcano in addition to viewing them. Despite the fact that Antigua Guatemala is home to a number of volcanoes, Pacaya is typically the most well-known due to the range of tours available and the relatively straightforward track it offers novice hikers. I still advise you to undertake this half-day adventure even if you are not accustomed to hiking. You really must not miss the fantastic opportunity to walk among lava fields and witness them erupt in the sky, I can tell you.
Remember that this might be a difficult journey, so go on a tour with knowledgeable guides who have the necessary gear to keep you safe.
From Antigua to the Pacaya Volcano, you can take a few of the following tours:
Pacaya Volcano Hike
Trip to Pacaya Volcano
Tour of the Pacaya Volcano and Hot Springs
For the best views of the sunrise, go extremely early in the morning. You may also go just after lunch to catch the dusk on your way home. You might even find that the hostel you’re staying at has its own tours available.
Spend the day in Lake Atitlan
Visit Lake Atitlan if you’re in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s another must-do. Visitors are drawn to this unique location by its gorgeous scenery, charming tiny villages where they can stroll and sample delicious local cuisine, and a variety of enjoyable activities like hiking and parasailing. If you want more time to take in the entire area and each of the villages, you can even spend a few days in a hotel or guest house.
Imagine waking up to the sight of the lake’s surrounding mountains and the sunlight reflected in the azure water.
Want to learn more about these charming settlements and the lake? Everything I know about them is in this post.
Where Is Lake Atitlan Located?
If you take a tour or a shuttle, Lake Atitlan may be reached from Antigua in 2.5 to 3 hours. Listed below are a few trips that go from Antigua to Lake Atitlan:
a full-day tour of Lake Atitlan
Day Trip From Antigua To Lake Atitlan
Check out TripAdvisor’s top Lake Atitlan tours if you want to reserve additional excursions or activities during your visit.
Casi Casa provides its own shuttle service. I paid around 98Q roundtrip per person.
Simoon’s Mountain ATV Tour
I would advise you to go on this Simoon mountain tour, which is a full-day excursion that involves riding a motorcycle or scooter. They pick you up from your hotel and transport you back safely, giving you the chance to visit more of Antigua’s environs, including Cerro de la Cruz, tiny farms, and a Mayan hamlet and market.
Some further suggestions and advice
I’ll leave you with a few more travel hints to help you avoid any unanticipated annoyances and make sure you have the best time possible while visiting Antigua, Guatemala.
Is Guatemala’s Antigua safe?
Because of the country’s high crime rate, safety worries are frequently raised, although this is typically the case in Guatemala City, the country’s capital, which has a reputation for being particularly hazardous.
You would anticipate Antigua to be as perilous given its proximity to Guatemala City—just an hour away. However, Antigua is one of the safest cities in Guatemala, even for visitors, as there are more police present and there is increased protection at popular tourist attractions.
Although it’s wise to exercise caution everywhere you go because crimes and robberies can occur anywhere, I think the majority of tourists who have visited Antigua would concur that they felt safer navigating the island’s streets.
What to Pack & Antigua’s Weather
The weather in Antigua is often warm during the day and cool at night. Being in a tropical area, Central America frequently has very humid weather.
The most crucial thing: use a lot of sunblock!
Since Antigua is a tiny city and you can easily move around on foot, I advise packing only lightweight, comfortable clothing as well as walking shoes. A hat and sunscreen would also be good because the sun is really intense in this area. Also, don’t forget to pack a jacket or hoodie for the cool nights.
And if you’re like me and want to be ready for anything, click here to download my comprehensive list of travel requirements!
Paying & Gratuities
If you’re traveling to Antigua Guatemala, it’s crucial to understand that cash is king. For some activities, like excursions, food, and tipping, you will need cash; some hotels and hostels also only accept it.
My experience has taught me that if a place accepts credit cards, it’s probably a tourist trap where you’ll pay American rates for subpar goods and services.
Though not required in Antigua, leaving a little tip for a restaurant’s, tour guide’s, or hotel’s services is highly usual and appreciated. 10% of your total may already be included as a gratuity in some fancier establishments.
As they will try to overcharge you, haggle literally everything. You can easily get the price down by 40–60%.
Avoid drinking tap water.
Avoid drinking the water in Guatemala unless it has been filtered because it is unsafe to do so. Guatemalans use ceramic jug filters as part of their unique filtration system. These tools are highly successful in removing germs and parasites from water. So long as you drink filtered tap water, you should be fine. Otherwise, you can bring a bottle with you and ask guesthouses to replenish it.
A stomachache
Since Antigua is at a high altitude, it’s common to have nausea and lightheadedness, especially if you hike volcanoes. Bring Liquid IV with you!
As a visitor in a foreign nation, bacterial and parasite diseases are also common. The simplest option is to visit the pharmacy, where you may get antibiotics for it because they are well-versed in the situation. They will be about 100 QLZ ($10 USD approx. ), and that should be sufficient. You’ll quickly get rid of everything.
Tip: I’m telling you, liquid IV. a MUST on this journey. Bring enough of these vitamins with you so you can combine them with your water. They’ll keep you hydrated while you work hard in the heat and help a lot with altitude sickness.
Conclusions Regarding a Trip to Antigua, Guatemala
You now likely comprehend why Antigua is quickly growing in popularity as a travel destination. Everything a traveler could want is here: stunning scenery, pleasant weather, fantastic photo opportunities, delicious food, and reasonable rates.
This travelogue for Antigua, Guatemala, should ideally give you more assurance and enthusiasm for your impending vacation. You will have a wonderful experience and won’t have to worry about anything if you take these suggestions into consideration.
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